Meet The Drew Action Scholars Faculty
SEAN HEWITT, DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Community focuses on building knowledge and practice skills needed to make a difference in our local communities—collaboration, advocacy, deliberation, and more.
Sean joined Drew’s Center of Civic Engagement in January of 2022 as Assistant Director. He is now the Director of the Center for Civic Engagement. In his role at the Center, he supports the Drew Action Scholars and Civic Scholars Programs, as well as Civic Engagement events, Immersive Experiences, student civic projects, and community partnerships.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and his Master’s in Public Administration; currently, he is completing a Master of Social Work degree. Sean is an experienced nonprofit director, mentor, and community advocate. In addition to over fifteen (15) years of nonprofit management experience, Sean has led workshops on youth leadership, ethics, cultural competency, wellness, and community engagement in both university and industry settings. Sean’s advocacy work extends to collaborating with public and private sector agencies, as well as healthcare providers, to support underrepresented youth and families.
MECCA K. MADYUN (SHE/HER), FACULTY DIRECTOR OF CIVICALLY ENGAGED TEACHING & LEARNINGASSISTANT, PROFESSOR OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Mecca Madyun is a passionate advocate for humanity in all its forms. With a profound appreciation for the intricacies of the human experience – the flaws, the potential, and everything in between – she has dedicated her life to the principles of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access (EDIA).
This commitment to EDIA permeates every facet of her life, from raising her children and co-parenting to her professional endeavors in dance and arts administration. Central to Madyun’s approach is the emphasis on personal and cultural identity, cultivating awareness practices and the authentic self, and harnessing the power of arts engagement to bridge divides. Through her work in EDIA consulting, arts administration, dance education, and both creative and professional development, she endeavors to nurture the discovery of one’s authentic self. Madyun firmly believes that individuals reach their peak potential when they are true to themselves in every aspect of life. This philosophy shapes her approach, emphasizing trust-building, vulnerability, open dialogue, creativity, and empathy. In her view, these principles are the foundation for holistic personal and interpersonal relationships, collaboration, and mobilization. Madyun thrives in guiding others on their journey to self-discovery, supporting their cultivation of personal awareness practices. Such practices, she believes, empower individuals to recognize their roles in anti-oppression efforts, drawing connections between private and public realms – from homes and communities to workplaces and broader society. Madyun champions that forging healthy, diverse, and equitable relationships in these spaces is essential for success. With over two decades of experience, Madyun’s expertise spans a broad spectrum. Mecca received a BA from University of Pennsylvania in Fine Arts (Graphic Design) and a BFA from University of Colorado Boulder in Dance and Somatics (Body Mind Centering Certificate). From dance education administration, design, and instruction with Brooklyn Academy of Music (2019-2023) to EDIA facilitation and consulting, Mecca has procured a diverse list of clients such ranging from government agencies to cultural institutions to community based organizations and communities, supporting holistic cultural shifts. She excels in holistic, EDIA-centric curriculum development and responsive education practices, community and interpersonal relationship building, strategic planning, program management, restorative practices, service leadership, and effective communication practices. Her skills further extend to grant writing, budget management, event planning, and artist consultation, to name a few. As Madyun continues her journey at Drew as Faculty Director of Civically Engaged Teaching & Learning at the Center for Civic Engagement and tenure track Assistant Professor of Civic Engagement, she eagerly anticipates building, expanding, and deepening community, partnerships, curriculum, Drew Action Scholars Program, and her research framing the interdependence of EDIA and Civic Engagement work as foundational to holistic collective changemaking.
DR. JONATHAN M. GOLDEN, DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER ON RELIGION, CULTURE AND CONFLICT & ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES AND ANTHROPOLOGY | GLOBAL IMPACT FACULTY LEAD
Global Impact develops international and intercultural perspectives and skills needed to be successful in our global cultures and economies.
Dr. Golden holds a PhD in Anthropology (University of Pennsylvania), specializing in the study of ancient and modern cultures of the Middle East. His research interests include religious and ethnic conflict, terrorism, and interfaith studies.
Dr. Golden teaches courses on interfaith leadership, peace and conflict studies, and the Middle East. He is the author of Ancient Canaan and Israel: New Perspectives and Dawn of the Metal Age, as well as numerous articles.